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Conflict and survival: Sinhala female-headship in eastern Sri Lanka

Conflict and survival: Sinhala female-headship in eastern Sri Lanka
Conflict and survival: Sinhala female-headship in eastern Sri Lanka
Using data and case study evidence gathered from fieldwork in eastern Sri Lanka during 1998-99, this paper fleshes out the particular situation of Sinhala female-heads. What conflict and non-conflict factors lead to female-headship? The evidence supports the contention that the patriarchal households may be adjusting to factors beyond the ethnic conflict. It is important to highlight the complex and dynamic relationships to understand the economic opportunities exploited by female-heads to maintain their economic security. However, there is also a social cost to this. Female-heads' participation in the labour market is linked to the support they receive from kin and community structures. However, there is also a social cost to this, as they perceive suchreliance requires certain gendered standards of behaviour.
Sinhala, Tamil, female-heads, economic deprivation
1744-1730
187-200
Ruwanpura, K.N
6ac0c791-abeb-484a-b747-1ecc99d3b800
Ruwanpura, K.N
6ac0c791-abeb-484a-b747-1ecc99d3b800

Ruwanpura, K.N (2006) Conflict and survival: Sinhala female-headship in eastern Sri Lanka. Asian Population Studies, 2 (2), 187-200. (doi:10.1080/17441730600923125).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Using data and case study evidence gathered from fieldwork in eastern Sri Lanka during 1998-99, this paper fleshes out the particular situation of Sinhala female-heads. What conflict and non-conflict factors lead to female-headship? The evidence supports the contention that the patriarchal households may be adjusting to factors beyond the ethnic conflict. It is important to highlight the complex and dynamic relationships to understand the economic opportunities exploited by female-heads to maintain their economic security. However, there is also a social cost to this. Female-heads' participation in the labour market is linked to the support they receive from kin and community structures. However, there is also a social cost to this, as they perceive suchreliance requires certain gendered standards of behaviour.

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More information

Published date: July 2006
Keywords: Sinhala, Tamil, female-heads, economic deprivation

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 43740
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/43740
ISSN: 1744-1730
PURE UUID: cc56335a-cd49-4530-9395-334b4bb51773

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Date deposited: 29 Jan 2007
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 08:57

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Author: K.N Ruwanpura

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